Department of Primary Industries and Regions
Job reference: 859680
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Senior Communications and Engagement Partner to be part of our Industry and Regional Development Division within the Department of Primary Industries and Regions.

Bring your creativity and expertise to a role where you can shape engaging communications, connect with diverse stakeholders and make an impact through work that builds awareness, educates and drives behaviour change.

How You'll Make a Difference

As the Senior Communications and Engagement Partner, you will:

• Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of integrated communications, engagement and community education plans that support Emergency, Drought and Resilience programs and initiatives.
• Create and oversee high-quality, creative and targeted content across channels, including digital and printed materials, newsletters, podcasts, videos, case studies and multimedia assets, to educate audiences and support behaviour change.
• Turn complex information into clear, engaging and accessible content, tailoring messages and tactics to effectively reach diverse target audiences and maximise impact.
• Provide specialist communications and engagement advice, proactively identifying communication risks, stakeholder needs and emerging or sensitive issues and managing them with sound judgement, initiative and diplomacy.
• Build and maintain effective relationships across PIRSA, government, community and industry, working collaboratively to deliver coordinated communications, engagement and community education initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate communication and engagement activities using analytics and insights, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and enhancing the reach and impact of programs and initiatives.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective communications and engagement plans, using clear messages, targeted tactics, meaningful KPIs and evaluation to reach audiences and improve outcomes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to quickly distil complex issues into simple, accessible information and produce engaging content across a variety of formats and channels.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build and maintain productive, collaborative relationships across government, industry, community and diverse stakeholder groups.
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with multiple project deliverables and deadlines, using strong planning, organisational and time management skills while being ready to pivot as priorities change.
• Strong judgement, political nous and diplomacy, with the confidence to navigate complex or politically sensitive situations, identify risks and effectively manage emerging issues.
• A collaborative and agile approach, with the ability to think strategically, work across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to team planning and continuous improvement. Tertiary qualifications in communication, marketing, journalism or a related discipline and/or IAP2 certification will be highly regarded.

About Us

South Australia is internationally recognised for the quality of its agriculture, food, and wine. Our regions are the backbone of our state and the economic powerhouse that drives prosperity for all South Australians.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is a key economic development agency working in partnership with our primary industries, regional stakeholders and across all levels of government to advance the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.

We are a passionate team of around 800 people working across metropolitan and regional South Australia to develop and protect our state’s regions and food, wine, aquaculture, fisheries, forestry, grains, livestock, dairy and horticulture industries.

It's no wonder there are so many exciting and diverse career opportunities in our organisation. If you’re ready to join us, apply now!

Benefits

At the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, we offer our employees challenging and rewarding work with opportunities for career progression, learning and development and flexibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We embrace diversity and welcome applications from all people, irrespective of culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete a National Police Check (NPC) prior to being made an offer of employment.
• Australian residency or current work permit is required (responsibility of applicant to provide evidence of a current work permit).
• Opportunity up to December 2029.
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Requirements

• Out of hours work will be, and inter / intrastate travel may be, required.
• You acknowledge your work, health and safety obligations and our expectations
• You may be required to undertake training and be willing to participate in emergency preparedness and response activities required by government agencies
• Desirable: Possession of a current driver’s licence and willingness to drive.

Remuneration

ASO6 - $105,747 min - $111,854 max per annum, plus superannuation

Enquiries

Sarah Walsh
Director, Strategic Communications and Engagement
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please see the attached applicant instructions, and outline your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Relationship Building and maintaining and Political Nous capabilities of the attached role description.

Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed “Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector” form.

Applications close: 23/10/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Application Guidelines#2.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - ASO6 Senior Communications and Engagement Partner - Emergency Drought and Resilience#2.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.